A CURE for both dyslexia and a condition linked to a poor attention span first developed by a Coventry businessman was today backed by academics.

Two university professors announced that dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder can be cured by a series of carefully tailored eye, balance and sensory exercises.

The exercises include standing on a wobble board and throwing a bean bag from one hand to the other.

Professor David Reynolds, of Plymouth University, and Professor Rod Nicolson, of Sheffield University, made their announcement at Balsall Common Primary School, where they carried out some of their research.

They looked into a treatment for the two conditions developed by Coventry businessman Wynford Dore, who wanted to help his daughter Susie, who was driven to despair by her dyslexia.

The treatments are tailored to the individual but can include standing on a wobble board, threading beads on to a string and throwing and catching a bean bag.

Professor Reynolds said: "In the 12 months of treatment, the children made 20 months improvement in reading progress and caught up with their peers.

"After the treatment the children maintained their progress - in other words, the treatment provided a permanent solution to the problem.

"Medical specialists and scientists have avoided using the word cure in this situation because of the debate it causes about whether dyslexia and ADHD have disease status or not.

"But I have no doubt that the layman watching the effects of the treatment in more than 80 per cent of children who complete this programme would agree it is a cure.

Balsall Common Primary School head teacher Trevor Davies said: "In my opinion, this programme has cured these children of their learning and attention difficulties."

Mr Dore runs a string of fee-paying clinics offering the treatment, including one in Kenilworth.